Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ES), a leading energy service company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) hosted and strategically endorsed the 3rd Annual Dubai Green Hotel Innovation Conference organized by ACM in Dubai, which took place from November 26 to 27, 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton Jumeirah Beach Residence.
The industry-focused conference convened experts, policy and decision makers, and key stakeholders under one roof where participants received updates on technological innovations and the latest best practices being implemented to boost the local hotel sector’s environmental sustainability strategies, while improving operational costs and enhancing profitability.
Ali Al Jassim, CEO, Etihad ES, said: “Over the years, the hospitality industry in Dubai has grown exponentially. We cannot turn a blind eye on the environmental impact of hotels, especially in terms of their natural resource usage and energy consumption. The hospitality industry’s energy costs in Dubai account for a significant portion of total energy consumption. So, in order to decrease its energy demand and consequently contribute to Dubai’s 30 per cent energy demand reduction target by 2030 – we encourage all key stakeholders to take action that has long-term positive impact.”
An estimated 700 hotels are currently operating in Dubai, with more hotels expected to open before 2020. The government strategically plan for effective and efficient measures to be put in place to make the hotel industry more sustainable.
“In our collective efforts to make Dubai a leading example of energy efficiency for the region and the world, we at Etihad ES hosted the Annual Dubai Green Hotel Innovation Conference to highlight the important role of the hotel industry in achieving Dubai energy efficiency targets. By strategically endorsing the conference, we are confident that it raises awareness and contributes towards improving the sustainability performance and energy conservation efforts of these establishments as well as address pressing challenges to bring us closer to our vision of a sustainable future for all,” Al Jassim added.
Al Jassim delivered a keynote speech on energy efficiency in hotels during the first day of the event and highlighted the support provided by Etihad ES in the sector. He also discussed the retrofit value chain for hotels that could help reduce their power consumption. Shadi Al-Kadi, Director, Program Management, TAQATI, on the other hand, presented the latest updates on Dubai’s energy efficiency programs. He further elaborated on the significant electricity and water savings and other achievements accomplished to date.
With an aim to retrofit 30,000 buildings by 2030, Etihad ES is gearing up to implement AED 400 million worth of projects, branching out beyond building retrofits into industrial retrofits and solar projects.
Government officials, hotel owners, hotel operators, developers, consultants, financers, contractors, and green technology solution providers which participated in the conference expressed their appreciation to the wide range of learning opportunities regarding energy efficiency and sustainability programs in Dubai, including industry trends and lucrative new business opportunities